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WHO CAN PRACTICE KENDO?
. Anyone can practice Kendo! The youngest age is probably around five or six, depending on the size and maturity of the child. Other than that it's all open. Men and women, boys and girls. You can start at any age.

WHEN CAN I START KENDO?
. The official enrollment period is during the first month of each quarter: January, April, July, October. But you can really start Kendo at any time. Just stop by the dojo when you are ready to join, and our instructor will sit down with you and get you started.

If you are not ready to come into the dojo right away, you can still look around the site and learn some of the background, structure, and basic terminology (like learning to count in Japanese by visiting the Soundboard). It will make your initial startup easier when you do finally decide to join.

WHAT DO I NEED TO START KENDO?
. When you first begin your study of Kendo, a uniform is not required. Comfortable gym-type clothing will suffice. Feet are bare. The first thing you will be learning is footwork. Depending on individual ability and how much you practice at home, this can take anywhere from 2 to 4+ months. The Head Instructor will determine when you are ready to purchase your uniform. Footwork may seem repetitious and boring, but it is a very important and integral part of Kendo.

WHAT ABOUT MY UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT?
. The Kendo uniform consists of the keiko-gi (jacket) and the hakama (skirt like trousers). Beginners should wear a white keiko-gi and a dark blue or black hakama. The cost of the keiko-gi will be around $50+ depending on size. The hakama will be around $70+ depending on size.

The first piece of equipment you will need to buy is the shinai (bamboo practice sword). The Head instructor will determine when you are ready to buy one. These can be purchased from the Dojo, or from a martial arts supply store for $20-$40+.

The Kendo armor, called bougu, consists of four pieces of equipment: the men (head gear), kote (gloves), do (chest protector), and tare (hip protector). Kendo bogu come in a variety of quality and price ranges: machine stitched vs. hand stitched, bamboo do vs. fiberglass do, Japan- made vs. Korea-made vs. Taiwan-made. It is generally true that YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!! Expect to spend at least $500- $600 for a decent set of armor. A good set will last at least 20 years.

Once again the Head Instructor will determine when you are ready for armor. In the meantime, you will want to set funds aside to prepare for your armor purchase. Usually you won't require armor for 6 months to 1 year after you begin Kendo.

For current prices you can check the suppliers on our links page.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
. At first glance Kendo may seem like an expensive martial art because of the armor, but from a long-term and value perspective, Kendo is one of the least expensive martial arts.

The membership fees are as follows:
•$20 one-time registration/materials fee
•$60 per quarter for Dojo Membership
•For adults, there is an annual membership fee of $66 for the AUSKF and SCKF Membership.
•For for youth under the age of 18, the annual membership fees for AUSKF and SCKF are $39.

The monthly tuition is $20 per month, as compared to the $100+ charged by most commercial martial art studios, or $40+ usually charged by most fitness clubs. The membership in the federations membership allows you to practice at any one of the SCKF-member dojos in Southern California, or AUSKF-member dojos nationally, in case you ever plan a trip out-of-state.

It is worth mentioning that Kendo, as it is structured in Southern California, is a non-profit pursuit. Most Kendo sensei (teachers) are not paid and all of their instruction and time is voluntary. So even when you consider the cost of the uniform and equipment, you still come out ahead. However, after all is said and done, the decision is up to you.

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